The $40,000 Brooch Princess Anne Has Worn for 55 Years Holds a Secret From Her Past
Leading jeweler from Maxwell Stone, Steve Stone, noted that the particular brooch is estimated at a staggering $40,000.
Some members of the royal family are known for letting their outfits and accessories do the talking, and Princess Anne is one of them. She is known for wearing curated jewelry during her royal engagements that carries significant symbolic meaning and gesture. She was seen wearing the Gold Ribbon brooch on her recent visit to Greece in May 2026 to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. The brooch, designed as a loose knot in gold and set with a dozen diamonds, has been one of her often-worn pieces for over five decades, including its selection for her 70th birthday photo in 2020. Women in the royal family are expected to wear brooches featuring national emblems. However, this particular piece has a special place in Princess Royal's heart.
As per Good Housekeeping Magazine, the brooch's origins can be traced back to 1969, when Princess Anne met NASA astronaut Colonel Frank Borman, commander of the Apollo 8 mission. Borman and his wife visited Buckingham Palace as part of a goodwill tour to see Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. A well-known picture portrays a cheerful scene as the Princess Royal and her brother, Prince Edward, greet the astronaut. During this occasion, she sported the Gold Ribbon brooch to complement her stunning 60s A-line outfit. Meanwhile, Princess Anne notably honored Greece during her three-day visit to Crete and Athens, while meeting with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas at the Presidential Mansion. Accompanied by her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, she wore an elegant A-line dress, a smart cropped jacket, and white gloves, reflecting the blue and white colors of the Greek flag, as reported by Hello!.
Anne's outfit was complemented by a summer hue of coral red lipstick, and her hair was arranged in a sophisticated updo that perfectly highlighted her petite gold drop earrings. She completed her look by styling the ensemble with a white clutch and matching loafers. Leading jeweler from Maxwell Stone, Steve Stone, noted that the particular brooch is estimated at a staggering $40,000. As per Pure Wow, Stone described Princess Anne's brooch as a "poignant piece" that she wore during her visit to the Netherlands. Stone emphasized that the Princess Royal has relied on a specific accessory for years, primarily for daytime outings but even for major evening events.
Her travels include Washington, D.C., in November 2014, Uganda in October 2022, and the Southport War Memorial in October 2023. The accessory is commonly worn with her classic Grima Pearl earrings, another timeless piece from her jewelry collection. Princess Anne wore the same brooch in 2014 during the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta at the Library of Congress. She also donned the accessory with a striking orange coat dress at an Easter Sunday church service at St George's Chapel in 2016 and during the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Bailiwick in 2025. Known for recycling her outfits and jewels, Princess Anne epitomizes royal fashion and sustainability with the looks she chooses.
